Columbia Celebrates Harmon Apartments Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

May 7, 2019

On May 7, 2019, Mayor Martin J. Walsh joined The Boston Home and Affirmative Investments, local elected officials and members of the disability community for the Harmon Apartments Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The Boston Home and Affirmative Investments developed the $18.7 million project which is made up of 36 units of accessible mixed-income units with supportive services designed to promote independence for adults with disabilities.

“Our goal in Boston is to create a city that works for everyone -- and these new affordable homes are accessible, and allow these residents to live independently,” said Mayor Walsh. “I thank all the partners who helped create this equitable housing development. I am proud that working together we created an innovative model for much needed accessible supportive housing in Boston. It takes a team to move our housing goals forward, and I’m proud of Boston’s commitment to this project, and to our commitment to keeping Boston a diverse city where all are welcome.”

The Co-developers chose architecture and planning firm DiMella Shaffer for the design of Harmon Apartments. Columbia Construction built the accessible building at 2045 Dorchester Avenue in Dorchester in close proximity to local businesses, two blocks from the accessible MBTA Redline Ashmont Station, and adjacent to a bus stop.

Harmon Apartments:

30 apartments leased to those with income levels at or below 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), or an income of $45,300 or less for a single-person household;

Eight of these 30 units will be marketed to those with incomes at 30 percent of AMI, or an income of $22,650 or less for a single-person household;

Six apartments leased at market rates;

26 one-bedroom apartments and 10 two-bedroom apartments; and

Common space to accommodate programs to support tenants.

In addition, tenants have access to specialized programs overseen by a licensed social worker and “Accessible+Plus" physical environment, to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities.

Founded in 1881, The Boston Home serves adults with advanced Multiple Sclerosis and other progressive neurological diseases in a nursing home setting. Exceptional clinical care, compassion, and innovative programs have earned The Boston Home the designation “Center for Excellence in Long-term Care” from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Boston Home is the only facility of its kind in New England and only one of a handful nationwide.